QPR Ladies supporting Leah Taylor

QPR LADIES are hoping to help raise vital funds for recovering former player Leah Taylor at Wednesday night’s pre-season friendly with Actonians.

Leah, who spent several years previously with Rangers, suffered a potentially life-changing accident after a serious fall at home last month.

The fall left Leah requiring emergency surgery on her neck and, without the quick response and efforts of paramedics and A&E staff, she would have been left paraplegic.

Following surgery, Leah is recovering at the Royal London Hospital and starting physiotherapy. However, with a three-month waiting time for a bed in a specialist rehabilitation centre her surgeon has recommended that she is transferred to a private centre to give her the best chance of one day walking again.

The costs have been estimated to be £1,500 per week – and her family are therefore hoping to raise enough money to provide Leah with a minimum of six-weeks private rehab whilst waiting for her NHS bed.

“We’re all shocked and saddened to hear of Leah’s accident and the seriousness of it,” QPR Ladies manager Martino Chevannes told www.qprlfc.co.uk.

“It’s going to be a long process but we hope that she makes a full recovery. Hopefully this game will help towards raising the money needed for her rehabilitation.”

Leah, a left-back, came up against Rangers with Actonians twice in cup competitions last season, whilst many of the current R’s squad played alongside her during her time at the club.

“Leah was a very committed, skilful, tenacious and focused member of the squad,” Chevannes said. “She always had a great attitude and gave 100 per cent in everything she did.